Gadisse Lee is a 25-year-old fine art photographer based in North Carolina. She was born and raised in Ethiopia for seven years before coming to the United States. Lee received her BFA in 2022 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has had numerous group exhibitions throughout North Carolina including the For Freedoms Project – Lawn Signs, and has had her work published in Stubborn Magazine, The Danger Issue.

 

Artist's Statement

In my journey as a self-portrait photographer, the natural world has become an integral part of my creative process. Nature offers a vast, ever-changing palette that I find both grounding and inspiring. Rather than constructing artificial sets or seeking out man-made environments, I immerse myself in the landscapes that Mother Nature provides.
 

This connection with nature adds a layer of depth and authenticity to my work that might otherwise be absent in more controlled settings. However, my recent explorations have also led me to experiment with controlled environments, which has been an enlightening and enjoyable experience.
 

During this experimental phase of my practice, I've pushed the boundaries of color and form, discovering that color-driven compositions not only enhance the visual impact of my portraits but also deepen their emotional resonance. The carefully chosen palettes I work with create moods and atmospheres that are not just visual—they're visceral. They evoke memories, stir emotions, and invite viewers to step into the world I've created, even if just for a moment.
 

What I’ve found most rewarding about this stage is the freedom to explore, to push the edges of what I know, and to embrace the unknown. This sense of play is where true creativity blossoms. Through this process, I’ve refined my technical skills and gained a deeper understanding of myself as both an artist and a subject. Each portrait becomes a dialogue between the environment, the color, and my own presence within the frame.
 

As I continue this journey, I’m excited to explore how complementary and monochromatic colors found in nature can be applied to controlled subjects. My goal is to create work that not only inspires me but also resonates deeply with others.

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